This quantitative perception study explored the relationship between (a) the amount of administrator support given to teachers who teach special needs students and (b) teacher self-efficacy with regard to teaching special needs students. Electronic surveys were utilized to collect data for this study. Data were collected from 31 administrators and…

The term severe disabilities refers to any student who is eligible for special education services in the United States under the category of moderate to severe cognitive impairment. The term takes into consideration a combination of shortages in both cognitive performance and appropriate behavior. Recently, in the field of severe disabilities, the…

The purpose of this study is to investigate the perceptions K-12 principals and teachers have of inclusive education in a school district in western Pennsylvania school district. The dependent variables are the teachers' and principals' perceptions of inclusion and the independent variables are years of educational experience, extent of special…

African American male students are disproportionately represented in special education. The purpose of the current study is to examine the disproportionality of African American male students who are referred to special education programs and are identified special education services, specifically in the areas of Emotional Disturbance (ED),…

The purpose of this study is to interview high school teachers of English Language Arts and special educators who are partners in a co-teaching model. It is important to understand the perceptions of teachers using co-teaching models to learn about the strengths of the program, as well as areas for improvement. In 1975, public education changed…

Collaboration in education is seen as a legal mandate, best practice in teacher practice, and necessary for the inclusion of children with special needs. Over the years, there have been a number of evolutionary incarnations of the collaborative model, each possessing various ingredients identified as important, if not essential, components of a…

During the 1970s, an estimated 3 million children with disabilities received inappropriate or inadequate educational services, and an additional almost 1 million children were excluded from the educational system (U. S. Department of Education as cited by Smith, Polloway, Patton, & Dowdy, 2004). Most of the programs that existed were limited…

Though there appears to be an onslaught of No Child Left Behind, there is still more emphasis on testing than ever before. With the new implementation of national common-core standards, many school districts have moved towards full inclusive classrooms. However, it is rare that teachers have any input on whether such major decisions are apropos…

The Individual Education Plan (IEP) process plays a vital role in the instructional process of the individual with ELN (exceptional leaning needs). The IEP process helps to level the playing field for students with ELN against those students that do not have diagnosed learning problems. From the parents to the students to the IEP staff, they all…

Since the reauthorization of 2003, schools across the nation are mandated to educate students within the regular educational environment. What impact does this merger have on students and teachers? Who really benefits from this merger of regular education and special education? This article discusses the attitudes of general education teachers…

In connection with the provisions of Public Law 94-142, Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975, the article offers some considerations for teaching the visually handicapped, with implications for industrial arts. Only minor changes need be made for mainstreaming these students; the teacher's attitude is a vital factor. (MF)

Examines the beliefs of elementary and secondary school teachers concerning what they think the principal does in special education. Results of 40 of 64 returned surveys of a Likert Scale of 1-5, indicated teachers perceived the principal as an instructional leader in some areas of special education. (AH)

Analysis of questionnaire results indicates that the majority of Kansas educators are unaware of and in disagreement with P.L. 94-142, that their concerns are at the low end of the concerns hierarchy, and that training needs to address awareness, personal impact, the reallocation of resources, and consequences for students. (Author/IRT)

At least 10% of students in private Christian schools are considered students with special needs. Private Christian schools vary in the degree to which they educate these students and in the approaches that they take toward educating them. This study examines whether or not private Christian Schools are allowing students with special needs access…

Educators should look beyond quantitative measures of intelligence and consider learning styles and abilities. The attitudes of teachers and the knowledgeability of administrators are both essential elements for the successful integration of handicapped learners into regular classrooms. (Author/GC)